Organ Donor Tax Aid Coming

Doyle Expected To Sign Measure OKed By Senate

By Ben Jones

P-C Madison Bureau Chief

January 23, 2004

MADISON -- When Marty Monroe of Menasha donated an organ to his 5-year-old son Cody three years ago, he gave up more than a kidney. He also lost about $6,000 in wages.

Some of Monroe's co-workers called him a hero, but Monroe said the sacrifice was easy.

"He would have died," Monroe said of his son. "Every father would do this, I would hope."

A measure that passed the state Senate on Thursday could ease the financial pain for organ donors like Monroe.

The bill, the first of its kind in the nation, would allow living organ donors to deduct up to $10,000 from their state income taxes for travel expenses and lost wages related to the donation process.

The measure now awaits the signature of Gov. Jim Doyle, who said Thursday he would sign it into law.

"I think it is a very good bill," Doyle said. "Wisconsin has been a leading state in organ donation. We lead the country in the number of people who have agreed to be donors. We have two of the leading organ transplant sites."

The bill's author, state Rep. Steve Wieckert, R-Appleton, said he hopes it becomes model legislation for other states. He said the Indiana Legislature already has drafted a similar bill.

"It's almost like a shot heard around the world," Wieckert said. "If we can do it in Wisconsin, people in other states are going to see they can do it as well."

The bill passed on a 30-2 vote, with state Sens. Mike Ellis, R-Neenah, and Rob Cowles, R-Green Bay, voting no.

Ellis said the bill is a good idea but does not include a plan to make up the projected $115,000 in lost tax revenue. He said he votes against any measure that doesn't have a funding source.

"I need to be consistent to have credibility," Ellis said.

Supporters hope the bill saves lives.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, more than 80,000 people nationwide await a life-saving transplant. Many will never get the organ they need. On average, about 17 people die each day waiting for an organ.

Monroe, whose family was at the Capitol when the Assembly signed off on the bill last fall, said the bill should make it easier for others to donate.

"I'm very happy, that's for sure," he said after the Senate vote Thursday. "It's long overdue."

Ben Jones can be reached at 608-255-9256, or by e-mail at bjones@postcrescent.com

Copyright © 2003 The Post Crescent.

Copyright © 2003 Gannett Wisconsin Online.

This article posted February 10, 2004.